Next to him is my father, who stares at me with an enigmatic expression. What does he feel about doing this to Lor? About dragging us both down here for his own gain? Probably nothing. He’s probably enjoying watching me scramble and suffer. After all, my suffering has always been one of his greatest pleasures.

Lor takes a few tentative steps as she peers into the darkness. Once my eyes adjust, I make out several more platforms floating in the air around us. At least, I think they’re floating, but it’s hard to be sure.

Another light flares, revealing a platform in the center of the cavern. It’s a few feet across and dangling above it is a ladder that stretches up and up, disappearing into the opening far above our heads.

“We’re under the mountain,” Lor says, and I nod.

We’re under the mountain, and all we have to do is climb that ladder to reach our goal. In theory.

Lor approaches me, and we whisper to one another.

“We have to run and jump, maybe?”

“Or there’s another way,” I say.

“Come now!” Herric shouts, interrupting us. “Don’t keep secrets from everyone. That is so very rude.”

I look up and glare. Gods, how I wish I could incinerate him to a crisp. If I ever get my hands on the bastard, I will beat him with my bare knuckles until he’s nothing but a puddle of blood. He grins back, enjoying himself. I know he made a deal with Lor, but I don’t trust for one moment that he plans to honor his promise. I’m just not sure when he plans to double-cross her.

Lor inhales an angry breath and blows it out slowly before she turns to face me, determination written into the fabric of her expression.

“Which is the closest one?”

We walk along the edges of our tiny perch, trying to gauge the distance.

“That one,” she says. “I think if we take a running jump, we could make it.”

“It looks big enough for only one of us.”

She nods. “Then I’ll go first before I move to that one.” She gestures to the left and a platform that hovers nearby. “I can also ensure it’s stable enough for you.”

She gives me a preemptive look that dares me to argue, but I don’t bother. I see the logic in allowing her to use herself as the test, but I hate it. I hate that she has to put herself in danger for my sake.

“When this is over, I will find a way to make this all up to you,” I swear. “I’m supposed to be the one protecting you. I was supposed to save you.”